Job Satisfaction and Stress Among Secondary School Music Teachers in Malaysia

Abstract

Music teachers are often faced with the task of not only teaching the regular music classes in school, but also a myriad of other tasks and responsibilities which often results in stress. Studies have found that music teachers tend to experience pressure and stress from a variety of sources, many of which are commonly related to the demands and expectations of a workload that is often incomparable with teachers teaching other subjects. In Malaysia, since music was implemented in the National Curriculum in the primary and secondary schools, the expectations towards music activities in school has created extra demands on music teachers to perform and produce proof of the success of their music teaching. This study focused on job satisfaction and related stress among music teachers in selected secondary schools in Malaysia and the factors that contributed to the stress. Results from this study suggest that music teachers are satisfied with their job. However, they do realize that their workload may exceed those of other teachers, with additional administrative tasks they are required to do. Novice teachers are more likely to be overwhelmed and pressured by their workload which often does not give them adequate preparation time. Furthermore, extra activities at school often require music teachers to remain in school for both the morning and afternoon sessions. It is evident therefore that music teachers face many challenges and need to be well trained, competent, proactive, innovative and good managers of time and human resources in order to cope with the demands of the job.